Graduation
It had taken what felt like forever for the time to come, but the time had come regardless. Sunset was sitting with her fellow classmates as they finished receiving their diplomas. They were finally graduating High School. The speeches had been made, awards handed out, Scholarships were mentioned, and tears, whether real or otherwise, were shed.
Sunset looked back over how she had spent her time after talking to Twilight. She had at one time considered her friends a family of some kind. Now she kind of realized how stagnant that family was. They were at least stagnant in a comfortable place, but it hadn’t really grown that much. She considered the others friends, but they never really changed from how they were.
She was still usually the last to know about anything going on, even after other Twilight. She was never really included in planning trips and activities and such, while other Twilight was included in such things. She still felt as if she just happened to be their friend at times, but at least other Twilight had become more of a good friend to her and more.
Still, Sunset made a strong distinction between the two Twilights. The real Twilight was still the real Twilight and a pony princess. They could tell each other anything and despite their obvious differences they thought of the other as an equal. There was plenty of room for their bond and relationship to grow in any number of good ways.
The other Twilight was kind of like Sunset’s own friendship student, but they never got beyond that. They were friends and good ones at that, but still there was kind of a mentor and student thing going on there. It was beautiful in its own way.
Sunset was happy with this kind of a bond and she was proud of other Twilight. The former Crystal Prep student was a quick study even when it came to friendship matters. As a result, she was able to form the strong bonds with others that Sunset wished she could have formed in the human world, but for whatever reason couldn't. Other Twilight wanted to tell everyone Sunset was the reason she could be such a good friend and they should all treat the fiery haired girl better. Sunset forbade her from doing that and said not to worry about it and leave it alone.
During the time since their talk, Princess Twilight and Sunset had grown even closer together and their friendship was starting to turn into something else. Both of them planned on seeing what that something else would be once she returned fully to Equestria. A move she would be making in a week’s time.
She hadn’t told any of the others she was going back yet, apart from other Twilight. Sunset decided to entrust her old diary to the girl and said girl promised not to read previous entries unless Sunset told her she could. In return, Sunset promised not to share any of their letters with Princess Twilight unless she had permission.
When she made trips to visit Equestria, Sunset got used to life there once again slowly and even came to meet and befriend the pony counterparts of her human friends. Sunset was surprised how similar yet different, and in her opinion better, the ponies were compared to the humans. She quickly felt like a part of the group with them and was often enough included in planning things and such. She could even tell it wasn’t because Twilight asked them to let her be included. They just liked her as their friend and felt it was part of friendship to do that.
Sunset even started to make connections with her family again. "It wasn't easy, but it was worth it," she thought to herself as she recalled those talks and visits. At first, her family was disappointed in her. She heard all they had to say and took it. She felt she had to since it was her own fault she ended up in this position. It was Princess Twilight who told her to stop just taking it and talk to them.
The conversation wasn't easy. When she talked about her time after she discovered friendship and was saved, her family just listened to her. By the time she finished telling them all she had been through, her whole family was actually proud of her. She didn't even have to ask Twilight to help them understand she had changed a lot for the better. She just told them what she went through and they had forgiven her... mostly.
"Why didn't you contact us sooner, Sunset?" her mother had scolded her. Sunset wasn't upset with this because she oddly felt happy in a way to be scolded for something a mother usually scolds their child about.
"I kind of was a little busy and I felt like I needed to make things right over there before I could even dream of coming back home," was her answer.
Her mother responded with a teary eyed smile and a hug. She then said, "Idiot daughter. Mothers just want to hear from their kids and that's all they care about."
Sunset smiled at the memories of meeting her family once again. She listened as the last name was called and the person received their diploma. Sunset eagerly enjoyed throwing her cap into the air with the others. She joined in with the others for pictures and such. She even received a few decent good byes and congratulations from many of the students. There was still that distance between them after everything else that happened, but she was okay with that. She was soon going to a place she knew she was liked and loved, despite what she had done in the past.
The fiery haired girl walked out with the others where families and friends further greeted and congratulated everyone there. Sunset once again felt a bit of a pang of sorrow when she knew her family couldn’t be there for her. She was at least happy when Princess Twilight came and gave each of them a hug in congratulations. Sunset felt even happier when she received an even bigger hug than the others before the real Twilight continued with her hugs.
“It still feels really weird meeting other me. Let alone hugging other me,” Princess Twilight said with a smile as she hugged her other self.
“I know exactly what you mean. I’m just glad most outsiders assume we're twins,” Other Twilight said.
Princess Twilight then smiled and said, “At least I now know I'm very huggable.” Both Twilights giggled at each other as they broke off their hug and took pictures with everyone.
Princess Twilight made sure to get copies of the pictures, or rather she made sure Sunset got all of the pictures. Sunset was going to print them and take them with her back to Equestria. The pony princess had already brought pictures of her pony friends and a few with Sunset in pony form for the others to see what their counterparts looked like in exchange for these pictures.
“So what are we, the awesome grads, and Princess Twilight going to do to celebrate?!” Rainbow asked loudly with a smile. Before then looking to Princess Twilight and asking, “So you never graduated from a high school here before right?”
Princess Twilight chuckled, “No Rainbow, I can’t say I have.” Rainbow was grinning and giving a fist pump playfully in ‘having one over Twilight’.
Princess Twilight then gave a mischievous smile as she added, “However. I already graduated the Equestrian equivalents all the way up to probably at least one doctorate a few years ago.” Rainbow gave a playful pout in response as the others laughed.
Other Twilight gave a proud smile as she said, “I just knew other me would be super intelligent as well.”
The two Twilights then high fived each other and shouted, “Go Team Twilight!” The group of girls laughed at the display.
Pinkie bounced in front of everyone and said, “Back to what Dashie was asking about! I already set us up the Bestest Best Super Awesome Fantastic Graduation Party! So follow me!” She then led the charge to parts unknown.
Parts unknown turned out to be a private room for them at their favorite restaurant followed by a slumber party. This was perfect for them because they already had their big graduation parties by now. That happened when you had about a month between the end of school and the actual ceremony. The night of Graduation would end up being a night of fun and laughter they would all remember for a long time.
{-} {-} {-}
It was now a week since graduation and five friends were a little confused when they were texted by Sunset to meet her at the school on the front steps. “Any idea what this is about?” Fluttershy asked the group.
“Nope. I ain’t got one. She at least didn’t claim it was an emergency, so that rules out needing ta replace a broken guitar string,” Applejack said with a slight glare at a blushing Rainbow Dash.
“I don’t know about you dears, but I felt it was something important,” added Rarity.
Pinkie just seemed to be oddly quiet, but the others didn’t pay her too much mind. They figured it was a Pinkie thing. They were betting she was probably going to unleash all of her energy later in some way only she would think to do so.
Rainbow gave a small gulp when she saw a serious faced Twilight talking quietly to Sunset as they approached. “I'm not so sure it isn’t some kind of an emergency now…” she said. They continued to walk a little slower wondering what was going on and feeling a little nervous.
“Are you sure about this, Sunset… I mean I’ll still care for you and still think of you as my best friend, but it seems a little hard I guess…” other Twilight said with a sniff.
“And I’ll always care for you as well, Twilight. But this world isn’t my home. You know what I’m talking about. Also… I have family over there in Equestria and ponies who really love and care for me as well,” Sunset said as she hugged the other girl. Twilight sniffed and some tears stained Sunset’s blouse.
Sunset wiped a tear from her friend/student and smiled at her. “Besides, you’ll always be able to write me whenever you want. I’ll respond as soon as I can. We can even arrange visits when we want."
“I know. It just won’t be the same…” Twilight told her friend/teacher.
Sunset gave her another hug and spoke, “You’re right it won’t be the same. But you'd be surprised how close we can still be and how warm and comfortable those letters can be. Receiving a letter alone has helped in many ways during my time here.”
Twilight nodded and tightened the hug one last time and let go once they heard the others approach. “What’s going on here, Sunset?” Applejack asked.
The portal then opened and Princess Twilight stepped out and gave everyone a small smile. Four faces brightened up a little at this, but Pinkie’s stayed the same. Her eyes even lowered a little as she said quietly, “She’s going back to Equestria. Permanently. Aren’t you, Sunset?” She then gave a sniff as tears started to well up in her blue eyes, but at the same time the curly pink haired girl gave a smile of understanding.
The other four girls, who just arrived, looked a little saddened and/or shocked. “I-I-I don’t understand. Why Sunset? Why?!” Rainbow stammered as she tried to fight back tears that suddenly formed in her rose colored eyes. She always hated mushy stuff. It always made her feelings go all wonky and such.
“Was it something we did?” Fluttershy asked as she hid behind her hair to cover her tears.
“Darling, is this true? You’re really leaving for good?” Rarity asked as she tried to hold strong, but gripped the hem of her blouse tighter.
Sunset nodded to the group in answer. She then took in a deep breath to gather her words. “I won’t lie and say it had nothing to do with what all has or hasn't happened between us. I never really got over the whole Anon-a-miss incident and how you girls treated me. I forgave you all, but never got over it. But that’s not-“
“We’re Sorry about that! Sunset, we really are!” the girls all blurted out as one and stopped trying to hide their tears any longer as they all gave her a hug.
Sunset was surprised and she started to tear up herself as she tried to hug back the best she could. “I’m happy to hear that. Even if it is way too late for it now. Like I said though. I already forgave you girls and that’s not the reason I’m leaving. I’ve never really belonged here. That incident and other things proved that I don’t really belong here in this world.”
“Of course ya do! You’re our friend, Sunset!” Applejack said. She gave a large sniff as she added, “Ya are like family to us…”
Sunset let her tears fall now. “Family is part of it, Applejack. Remember when you talked about running off to spend summer with your Relatives in Manhattan?” Applejack nodded. “You said you didn’t hate them or anything and came to enjoy their company, but you still didn’t feel like you belonged there and so you went back to Sweet Apple Acres and haven’t left nor plan to leave it ever again.”
AJ sniffed and nodded in understanding as Sunset continued, “This has been my Manhattan trip, AJ. Though it lasted a lot longer than one summer. I told you all about how I still have family back in Equestria and I was really missing them around Christmas time before all of that other stuff happened. I have neglected them for far too long. I-I need and want to go home now.”
“I’m really going to miss you, Sunset. I know the animals at the shelter will as well,” Fluttershy said as she tightened her hold on Sunset.
“I’m going to miss all of you as well, but I was already missing Equestria as it was. I’m not strong enough to have handled the separation we would have gone through in college, and having more distance between myself and Princess Twilight on top of that,” Sunset said as she patted Fluttershy on the head causing the shy girl to feel a little better.
“This is even tougher than I thought it was going to be,” Sunset thought to herself. She looked over to Princess Twilight who gave her a small encouraging smile. She also noticed Student Twilight was standing next to Princess Twilight as the princess placed a comforting hand on other Twilight's shoulder. It seemed other Twilight decided to let them have some privacy and Sunset was glad for it. She was even further glad for it when Rainbow accidentally said something that could have been hurtful.
“But you don’t have to go, Sunset! Twilight’s here too. You don’t have to worry about the distance between you and the Princess because Twilight is already here,” Rainbow said quietly in her sobs. The rainbow haired girl wouldn’t have ever dreamed of saying something like that if she was in her right state emotionally.
“They are different people, Dash. They are similar yes, but they also are very different. I didn’t want to view this world's Twilight as a stand in for Princess Twilight. I sometimes felt that way myself, especially when we first became friends. I felt as if I was just a temporary replacement for Princess Twilight and would be discarded once she came back. It got a lot better and I didn’t see myself as that later on, but it was still something I wouldn’t wish on anyone else. And I hope you girls will never do that with anyone you meet,” Sunset told them.
“Why didn’t you tell us you felt left out, Darling? We could have changed our plans. Done things differently to help you. You’re our friend, Sunset. We wouldn’t have really minded that much,” Rarity said as she dabbed her eyes with a fancy handkerchief.
Sunset gave her a caring smile as she said, “I wouldn’t have wanted that. I don’t want you girls to change your lives for me. I don’t want you to put aside your dreams. I want you girls to succeed and enjoy your lives the best you can. If I stayed here and unintentionally held you all back, I would have come to hate myself even more than I did during the Anon-a-miss incident.”
Rarity gave a slow nod and blew into her handkerchief. Pinkie spoke next, “You could have at least told us sooner and I could have thrown you a going away party.”
Sunset gave a smile as she said, “I didn’t want you to end up throwing a sad party. There is a reason when it came to all of those graduation parties people usually focused on talking about how glad they were to be done with high school and not where they were going to college. That was mentioned of course, but everyone usually redirected the conversation to something else more pleasant soon after. A goodbye to Sunset party would have seen everyone who attended sad and no way around it.”
Sensing it was her turn again, other Twilight came over and hugged Sunset and once more said, “I’m really going to miss you, Sunset! You saved me that day during the Friendship Games. You showed me what friendship was then and have ever since. I wish there was another way.”
Sunset gave her a squeeze and then said to her and the others, “You can still keep in touch with me. I left you my old diary, Twilight. Princess Twilight said so long as that diary stays on this side of the portal we can open it from Equestria whenever we want to visit.”
Other Twilight gave a small smile as she said, “Still doesn’t mean I won’t miss you. You can count on me writing you and other me lots though. Plus, I’m going to make sure to invite you both over during the holidays.”
“And I’m sure we’ll be glad to come if we can,” Sunset said. The other girls felt a little more at ease hearing that. Sunset would be away, but they would get to see her again sometime they were sure of it.
After another round of hugs and goodbyes, including Princess Twilight this time, the girls finally wiped their tears. “So are you ready, Sunset?” Princess Twilight asked.
“Yes. I think I am,” Sunset replied.
They received one more farewell hug each and promises to write from Student Twilight. Sunset then had an idea and smiled as she took off her jacket and gave it to her friend. "Here you can have this, Twilight. I remember you always talked about how much you liked it. I won't need it in Equestria." Student Twilight beamed as she held on to the jacket. She knew she could never make it look cool like Sunset did, but she would always treasure it.
The two girls smiled to the others one more time and then held each other’s hands as they walked through the portal together. They didn’t know when they would next return, or really if, but they felt they had left things in this world the best they could.
When they emerged in the Portal Room, Twilight gave Sunset a tight hug and the yellow coated pony relished the emotion and love in the hug. “That was really hard for me to just stand back and watch, Sunset. I can’t imagine what it was like for you.”
Sunset gave a sniff as she wiped some lingering tears from her eyes with magic. She then smiled and said, “It was tough, but I was glad you were there, even if you only stood back and watched like I asked. I still believe it was the right choice in the end.”
Twilight gave a blush as she said, "I know it was hard and all of that, but I can't help but feel kind of happy. We get to hang out whenever we want now and only have to worry about disasters popping up in one world now." Sunset gave a giggle to this 'bright' side Twilight was talking about.
Twilight's blush faded and she smiled as she said, “Let’s get going. I’m sure Pinkie Pie has a fantastic party waiting for you, Sunset. A party that will be filled with happiness and love.”
Sunset felt better hearing those words. She didn’t regret her choice, but a party filled with happiness and love was just what she needed at the moment. She then giggled and said, “If the Princess of Friendship says it’s time to party. Then its time to party! I’m right behind you, your Majesty.” She then gave a playful bow and Twilight giggled as she led the way.
It wasn’t too much of a walk to the party room. When Sunset opened the door, she was greeted by the sound of Pinkie’s Party Cannon and a lovely colorful sight of delicious treats and streamers. There was even a big sign that read, “Welcome home Sunset Shimmer!” She looked around and saw several ponies, all ones she had come to known during her earlier visits, were there with smiles and hoof stomps and cheers of welcome.
Sunset felt happy and truly at home as her parents and siblings came and gave her hugs. Her blue eyes once more filled with tears, but this time there wasn’t even an ounce of sadness in them.
She wouldn’t forget her human friends. She wouldn't forget the events she experienced. She would even make a point to make amends with Princess Celestia. She would probably need Twilight's full support and help for that, but she knew she would have it. However at this time, Sunset planned to just enjoy the friendly and love filled atmosphere she could only find in Equestria.
She was finally home, at last.
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That was such a sweet ending. I'm glad Sunset was happy in the end. I'd love to see more stories like this between Pony Twilight and Sunset.
6541815 I'm glad you liked it. I'm sure there are similar stories out there somewhere. You just have to find them, but they can be hard to find because it seems like most stories with Sunset leave her in the human world.
6541843 That's very true but from what I heard there were a few deleted scenes based on that theory on the Friendship Games DVD/Blu-Ray. At least I think there is.
6541850 There are, which is why I pointed out this story ignores those, since they are "deleted scenes" they don't really count. I do think they should have kept them in the movie though. They had a secondary plot where Sunset is homesick and eventually decides to stay in the human world, but there is evidence to support she will at least be making trips back and forth to visit with Twilight. Also Sci-Twi instead decides to stay at Crystal Prep to learn about friendship and the Shadowbolts actually seem less antagonistic over all.
6541878 Wow. It seems like an interesting idea but in hindsight it wasn't worth it.
Meanwhile back in human world human sunset showed up and... but seriously.. it was ok..
6551256 Glad it was okay. As far as human Sunset is concerned, we really don't know anything about her. There are fandom theories, but those aren't really official. I see it as she doesn't live in Canterlot City and hasn't for a long time. Maybe we will find out about her in the fourth Equestria Girls movie.
6551337 You're welcome.... Didn't think you'd respond to that little joke of mine about Human Sunset but since you did say something ..
For me the real question is will they make a fourth one and while I personally do not mind seeing a fourth one being made... The fact they finished the arc may cause them to not make a fourth and the mixed reaction to the third one isn't helping the case for a fourth movie.. Personally I loved it for what it is.. A good enough movie with a few good catchy songs . Oh well.. Only time will tell if number four will come or maybe they will make T.V. or a website series that a few fans have been begging for.. Even a short one would help answer all those pesky questions.. Don't trust the comic book industry to get anything right anymore.. Too many mistakes made to ignore them anymore..
But maybe we will be surprised.. Naw.. They'll never be as good as a T.V. or webseries.. 
On the plus side the first real MLP-FiM movie is in the works from what I understand.. But 2017 never seem to be so far away and/or the movie...
6560239 I usually respond to comments on my stories, because I am like that. I only ignore people that are being very rude and sarcastic usually. If someone does say why they don't like it and aren't raging I will at least thank them for reading part of the story at least. I liked Friendship Games, but for some reason I still like Rainbow Rocks more.
To answer your question about a fourth Equestria Girls movie here is a link: around 18 min.
6560423 Yeah rainbow rocks was better.. Thanks for the link.. Now I can look forward to the next movie in the knowledge that it will happen sooner or later but suspect they'll take more time.. I hear ya about not responding to the haters..
6540974
Yes, the ending was good. Also, I feel like saying, if you ever feel like making a sequel, I'll be sure to read it.
6599268 Not really something I have planned or thought much about. I have too many other stories on my plate and I have been focusing on one more than the others a good bit. I am glad you enjoyed and thought it was good.
6599563
I figured you didn't have it planed. I mainly just posted that comment to let you know that if, sometime in the future when you don't have other stories to work on, you decide you want to write a sequel to this story, the effort would be appreciated. That is if, and only if, that time ever comes.
You probably already know everything I said in this comment as something that is obvious, I just thought I'd say it anyway.
6599619 Nothing wrong with further explaining a comment even if you think others would see it as obvious.
6599629
Thanks. I'm not very confident when "putting myself into a comment". Being emotionally detached and keeping it short and to the point while trying to remain positive, I'm good. Putting emotion into it and speaking from the heart, no way. I keep thinking I'm going to upset someone unintentionally, and that is the last thing I want to do.
Sorry I'm unloading all this on you. Thanks for listening though.
I really enjoyed reading your story! The relationship you've established between Sunset and Princess Twilight was really great and felt very realistic. I also like how you included the ending of the Holiday Special and even made it a major plot point, great job!
I have to complain about the style, grammar, syntax and the like, though - there were some pretty rotten sentence structures that really threw me out of the flow while reading. Maybe you should have asked a proof-reader for help beforehand.
What I just realised - this story was released the same day as mine, and there are quite some similarities. Great mind think alike, eh?
6658134 I am glad you enjoyed the story and how I set up Twilight's and Sunset's relationship with each other.
I know grammar and such is something I need to work on, but I also did kind of just put this story out there. I probably should have read over it another time or two, but I really had to just write the story and get it done with. I was close to making it in to something much longer than it was and I have too many longer stories that I never really finish.
As for proofreaders, I have tried that before and while it did help a little it also kind of got to me because I am not exactly the most patient for such a thing or I try to be too patient. My schedule when writing stories is bad enough as it is. I just don't want to have to work around someone else's as well. I feel like pressuring them would be asking too much from them, but if I just leave it alone it could end up being a month or more before they get to it.
Hmm, Despite the title, the chapter tells us next to nothing about the graduation itself
You know I'm not a big fan of "character reminescing of what has happened" scenes, but you seem to have gotten better at that too.
Another story I've read many times because it is well done.
Aside saying I loved it and got everything to be a favourite, that's all ^^.